[Mr Drysdale]

I am about to build a permanent outdoor shooting bench on my property. I have looked at a few plans on the internet but would like any input from the members about “what to do” and “what not to do” from any experience you guys/gals may have. First question is height. Plans I have looked at range from 23” to 35”. Some with built in bench and some use a chair. All input appreciated.

 

[ji63]

I'm not sure of the height but I liked a chair better than a built in bench. I'm 6'2" and I didn't fit so good on the built in bench. The ones I shot off of were made of treated lumber and were heavy but super stable. You tube might have some examples if all else fails.

 

[Rancher]

I’ve read that you wanna build it with 4x4’s where possible to help with stability along with even cementing it in ground to also help with stability.

 

[rt8]

Make the seat-to-table distance tall enough for the tallest person you know.
It's a whole lot easier to add a cushion to the seat for shorter people than it is to stack up stuff to put the sandbags on to make them useable for tall people.

 

[Smoke68]

If it's going to be permanently located, I recommend building a roof over it. Protection from direct sunlight and year-round rain will increase the life of the bench 5X's. Plus it will be more comfortable to use.

 

[Mr Drysdale]

Thanks to all that have replied. Lots of good information so far. Keep it coming.

 

[bigsmoke]

Here ya GEAUX!! Im going to build one kinda like this one

 

[magnoliahunter]

If you aren't able to get concrete to the area, look into buying a couple of the mobile home screw in anchors to help stabilize it.

 

[Hyckory Styck]

I went this route. It's ridiculously sturdy. So sturdy that I had to put a 3 point hitch on it to move it around .

 

[Mr Drysdale]

I like it. Did you work from a plan or just figure it out? Would love more pics from different angles.

 

[rt8]

I like it. Did you work from a plan or just figure it out? Would love more pics from different angles.

Let's just say the 3ph was a genius afterthought inspired by the inability to get it moved from the porch to it's final home on the range. 😁

 

[Hyckory Styck]

I like it. Did you work from a plan or just figure it out? Would love more pics from different angles.

I just figured it out as I went. RT8 isn't joking about the 3ph either. It took my wife and I both just to slide it on the concrete where I built it. I'm not sure what RT8's thoughts are (he uses it too) but in retrospect I feel like I should've either put the seat closer, or made it wider so it would stick under the table some. If the rain holds off I'll try to run get some more pictures for you today.

 

[Hyckory Styck]

I was able to grab a few pictures after the rain. The little upright stand is just to mount a fan on to cool barrels. It's not important to the structure lol.

 

[Mr Drysdale]

Thanks for the pictures. I am going to stick build on site and cement my posts. I like the design. The three point hitch is genius!